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Narrative:The B-17, nick-named Texas Tornado, had arrived in New Zealand from New Caledonia a few days before. Commanded by Colonel R.E.Cobb, it carried two passengers; an officer of the US Navy and one from the Free French Navy.

Early in the morning of 9/6/42 it took off from Whenuapai to fly to Laverton, Melbourne, Australia. Moments after becoming airborne the Texas Tornado crashed on farmland not far from the airfield. It burst into flames and two of the four 500-pound bombs being carried exploded. All on board the B-17 died in the crash.